Turn Your City Into a Multiplayer Game
Your neighborhood is already a game board—you just need to activate it.
About This Quest
Transform everyday spaces into interactive game zones using location-based challenges, AR scavenger hunts, and social scoring systems that connect strangers through play.
Most people walk past each other with headphones in, eyes down. But public spaces become instantly different when there's a shared mission. I've watched subway platforms turn into collaboration zones when someone drops a geocache coordinate in a local Discord. Suddenly five strangers are comparing notes by the turnstile. This quest teaches you to design micro-challenges that plug into existing social infrastructure—QR codes on street art, checkpoint systems at coffee shops, photo challenges that require asking strangers for help. The goal isn't complicated ARGs that take months to build. It's lightweight friction that gives people permission to interact. A simple "Find and photograph all five murals with hidden symbols" creates natural conversation when two teams spot each other. The best part: once you've run a few sessions, participants start designing challenges for each other. The scoring systems you create become templates. Someone adds a new checkpoint at their favorite bookstore. Another person hides objects that unlock bonus points. You're not just playing—you're building infrastructure that outlasts any single event.
What You'll Need
Top gear to make this quest great.
Running GPS tracking, taking photos, and using gamification apps drains batteries fast. You need juice for 3-4 hour sessions plus enough to charge other players' devices when they hit critical levels—builds goodwill
Creates permanent checkpoint markers that survive rain and curious fingers. Print QR codes that link to challenge instructions, team leaderboards, or unlock bonus content. Lets you leave discoverable game infrastructure in public spaces
Lowers the barrier for photo challenges at checkpoints. 'Get a stranger to pose with the mustache prop' is less awkward than 'talk to a stranger.' Props become conversation starters and make player-generated content more shareable
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may change.
Step-by-Step Guide
Scout your territory. Walk a 10-block radius and note landmarks people actually use: that weird sculpture, the bodega with the grumpy cat, the intersection where three bus lines meet. Open your mapping app and drop pins. You need 8-12 physical locations max.
Design your point system on paper first. Simple works: base points for reaching checkpoints, multipliers for creative photo submissions, bonus points for recruiting other players. Write rules that force interaction—'Worth double if you high-five someone wearing red' or 'Extra 50 points if a stranger photobombs you at this spot.'
Create your first challenge using a free platform like Actionbound or Goosechase. Set up 5-7 checkpoints with specific tasks. At a park bench: 'Record a 10-second dance move and tag two people to learn it.' At a corner store: 'Buy something for under $2 and gift it to the next player who checks in here.' Keep tasks doable in under 5 minutes each.
Build your initial group. Post in neighborhood Facebook groups, Discord servers, or Meetup. Be specific about the vibe: 'Low-stakes scavenger hunt meets pickup sports energy.' Set a launch date two weeks out. Cap it at 12-15 people for the first run—small enough that everyone meets each other.
Test-run the route yourself the day before. Time how long it actually takes. Check if that QR code you stuck on a lamppost is still there. Make sure the coffee shop checkpoint is actually open on game day. Adjust point values if one challenge is way harder than others.
Launch day: meet at a central spot, split into teams of 3-4 randomly. Give teams 90 minutes to hit as many checkpoints as possible, then reconvene. Debrief over cheap pizza. Ask what worked, what felt forced, which locations sparked the best interactions. The feedback session is where version 2.0 gets designed.
Level up the system. Add NPC roles—a 'wandering merchant' who shows up at random checkpoints with bonus challenges. Create seasonal variants: winter mode adds 'warm up a stranger' challenges, summer mode includes water balloon objectives. Document your challenge templates so others can remix them.
Recruit challenge designers from your player base. Run a monthly meetup where people pitch new quest ideas. The person who designs it becomes the game master for that session. This self-perpetuates: you're not running every game anymore, you're maintaining a platform.
Gear Up for Your Quest
Get everything you need to make this quest amazing.
Portable Battery Pack (20,000mAh)
EssentialPopularRunning GPS tracking, taking photos, and using gamification apps drains batteries fast. You need juice for 3-4 hour sessions plus enough to charge other players' devices when they hit critical levels—builds goodwill
High-capacity external battery with multiple USB ports for keeping phones charged during extended urban gameplay sessions
Get on Amazon · $33.45
Weatherproof Sticker Paper & Laminator
EssentialCreates permanent checkpoint markers that survive rain and curious fingers. Print QR codes that link to challenge instructions, team leaderboards, or unlock bonus content. Lets you leave discoverable game infrastructure in public spaces
Waterproof adhesive label sheets and portable laminating machine for creating durable QR codes and checkpoint markers
Get on Amazon · $29.99
Gamification Platform Subscription (Actionbound or Goosechase)
RecommendedEliminates manual scorekeeping and adds professional polish. Players get instant feedback, you get analytics on which challenges work. Free tiers handle 10-15 players; paid unlocks unlimited participants and custom branding
Mobile app platform with built-in GPS tracking, photo challenges, team scoring, and real-time leaderboards
Instant Photo Props Kit
OptionalLowers the barrier for photo challenges at checkpoints. 'Get a stranger to pose with the mustache prop' is less awkward than 'talk to a stranger.' Props become conversation starters and make player-generated content more shareable
Compact set of 10-15 reusable photo challenge props: speech bubbles, funny glasses, themed signs
Get on Amazon · $59.99
Reward Stamps or Tokens
OptionalAdds tangible proof of progress beyond digital points. Some players respond better to collecting physical stamps in a passport-style card. Creates tradeable currency between teams for bonus challenges
Custom rubber stamp or physical tokens to mark completion at checkpoints or award to players
Get on Amazon · $13.99As an Amazon Associate, IRL Sidequests earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Prices and availability are subject to change. The price shown at checkout on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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